RN Bridging/Re-entry Program
Length:
The full program includes 9 core courses. Individual referrals may vary.
- Full Program: 10 months
- Specialty Courses: Offered in addition to core courses
See Plan of Study details for more information.
Delivery
- Independent, online learning with live classroom sessions
- In-person labs and simulation sessions
- Clinical placement
See Course Details for more information.
Dates
- Summer 2023: June 19, 2023–March 29, 2024
- Winter 2024: December 18, 2023–October 4, 2024
- Spring 2024: March 18, 2024–January 11, 2025
- Summer 2024: June 17, 2024–April 25, 2025
- Fall 2024: September 9, 2024–July 18, 2025
- Winter 2025: December 9, 2024–October 3, 2025
See Plan of Study details for more information about program structure.
Registration Deadlines
- Spring 2024: February 5, 2024
- Summer 2024: May 6, 2024
- Fall 2024: July 28, 2024
- Winter 2025: October 28, 2024
New: Employment and Sponsorship
Nova Scotia Health is offering a stream of sponsorship for RN Bridging/Re-Entry that includes employment. If you are interested in learning more, please complete the Nova Scotia International Community of Healthcare Workers Engagement Survey. Learn more about support for Internationally Educated Health Care Professionals at Nova Scotia Health.
Overview
The RN Bridging/Re-Entry Program is an entry-level educational program designed to review current nursing practice. The program is offered to people who have been educated as nurses who want to:
- Re-enter nursing practice by ensuring currency in knowledge and skills
- Begin nursing practice in Canada after nursing in another country
- Meet licensure requirements by completing courses as identified by regulatory body
If you were educated in nursing outside of Canada, this program can help smooth your transition through comprehensive education on Canadian nursing practice and help prepare you for success in taking the NCLEX-RN exam. The program identifies the differences between previous nursing experience and Canadian nursing practice and helps to meet the educational and practical gaps by focusing on the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected in Canada.
If you were educated in Canada, and referred by the provincial regulator, this program can help prepare you for success in re-entering the practice environment.
Requirements
- Demonstrated proof of residency for Nova Scotia
Proof of Residency
After we receive your application, we will need proof of residency. You will need to provide one of the following:
- Photo ID issued by provincial government
- Government-issued health card
- Residential lease/property deed to a residence or property in Nova Scotia
- Utility bill with your name and address
- Letter from provincial government/court (marriage license, divorce, government aid)
- Provincial driver’s license/learner’s permit
Cost
Full program (9 courses):
- Tuition: approximately $3,550
- Textbooks: approximately $550
Individual program costs might vary depending on how many courses you are referred for by the regulator. See Course Details for costs for each course.
Some other costs to consider include:
- Transportation and accommodation (if required) for multi-day on-site learning activities and clinical experiences.
- Parking costs vary at sites across the province. There may be a fee to park on site at Nova Scotia Health facilities.
- Immunizations and health screening for clinical courses may have a cost if you do not have medical coverage.
- Clinical courses and placements require appropriate nursing uniforms and footwear. For unsponsored learners, clinical courses are unpaid and the program workload duing the Clinical Course: Medical Surgical is full time. It is recommended that you do not work at external jobs during this course.
- Meals are not included in any program activities.